WS Chronicle

Special to The Chronicle

Governor Pat McCrory has announced that online driver license renewal will now be available statewide by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The improvement is part of the governor’s “Driving Change” initiative, which is focused on improving customer service at the DMV through technology and increased efficiencies.

“Renewing driver licenses online will help thousands of citizens avoid waiting in lines each year, and free up staff time to serve more customers faster in DMV offices throughout the state,” McCrory said.

Since online renewals began testing in June, more than 100,000 customers have renewed their licenses without coming into an office. Allowing online renewals decreases waiting times, an important consideration when NCDMV project that driver license customers will grow by 1.9 million over the next 20 years.

“This is a ‘Eureka!’ moment. I applaud this new effort to make NCDMV more efficient and effective,” said NCDOT Secretary Nick Tennyson. “Our goal is to have 30 percent of all eligible renewals completed online. This means we can devote 30 percent more of our time helping others: helping the new driver safely complete a road test or helping the new resident learn North Carolina rules. This will be a game changer not only in our offices but also on North Carolina roads.”

First-time drivers must still visit NCDMV to complete testing, and drivers with a restriction other than corrective lenses must also come in.